Celebrating Fragile Beauty: A Collaboration with Ilse Knock

Recently, we had the privilege of collaborating with Dutch illustrator and ceramic artist, Ilse Knock. Currently exploring the theme of “getting lost in drawing,” Ilse’s latest project, Befriending Butterflies, exemplifies her meticulous approach to art. Printed at Riso Pop, her zine showcases a remarkable level of patience and craftsmanship. Each page features a unique butterfly, printed on both sides and cut into a precise shape, transforming the zine into a standalone piece of art.

Ilse shared her thoughts on the project:

"Befriending Butterflies is about celebrating beautiful things, particularly butterflies. I’ve been obsessed with their delicate beauty and the fleeting moments in which we experience them. I wanted to capture that feeling so we could hold on to it a little longer. That’s why each butterfly in this zine is carefully cut out – I wanted to replicate the fragile sensation of holding those wings, as if flipping through a stack of real butterflies. Even if it meant individually cutting almost 400 sheets of paper to achieve that effect."

At the launch of her zine, visitors were treated to more than just the printed work. Ilse unveiled new ceramic pieces, and for us print lovers, she even created special zine and print holders. The studio was beautifully adorned with her delicate cutout butterflies, while the garden area hosted a hands-on activity where visitors were invited to decorate their own butterflies with glitter. The interactive element was a huge success, bringing an extra layer of joy and engagement to the event.

Beyond celebrating nature’s beauty, Befriending Butterflies also marked a personal journey for Ilse. Through this project, she reconnected with her love for drawing.

"It was a way to reconnect with an old part of myself – the part that loves to draw and is willing to dedicate time to intricate patterns and details, like the tiny circles of butterfly scales. Collaborating with Aafke on this zine reminded me of the joy in getting lost in the process of drawing, something I don’t always prioritize over the faster gratification of ceramics."

Ilse’s project is a heartfelt reminder of the beauty in slowing down and appreciating the small, delicate moments in life. We’re honored to have been part of her journey in making time for art that celebrates both craft and patience.